VENICE – Following the attack of an owl on a Venice woman outside her home, Florida Fish and Wildlife commission is recommending precautions if you were to encounter one.
“This is a very atypical thing to happen we don’t often get reports of owls acting in this aggressive behavior,” said Florida Fish and Wildlife, PIO, Adam Brown.
The attack occurred November 4th. FWC received the report of a Great-horned owl, the largest of its species in the state acting combative in the Venice area.
“A female, 78 years old was walking near her home and did have an encounter with an owl, where it swooped down, scratched the back of her head, and we believe it may have happened multiple times while she was out walking,” said Brown.
Brown says aggressive behavior is more typical with other birds of prey. The Venice resident, Delia Venga is concerned for herself and others in the area, as a park is located right across the street.
“If you find yourself in a situation where a bird happens to be acting in an aggressive manner, take cover as quickly as possible, remove yourself and your loved ones, your children, your pets, remove them from the scene as quickly as possible,” said Brown.
If you find yourself in an area shared by owls, FWC advises you to carry an umbrella as it can cover your head and protect you from being seen from the bird.
“Having an air horn or some sort of whistle, a noise making device, something to deter that bird form having behavior again would be helpful,” said Brown.
“We are looking into why this has happened and hopefully this is a onetime thing, we want to make sure were letting everyone in that surrounding area that there could potentially be a bird acting aggressively and to take proper precautions,” said Brown.
Owls are protected under the federal migratory bird treaty act and under Florida law. Meaning proper permitting would be required to remove a bird, nests, and their eggs.
If you are to encounter an aggressive owl, call the Florida Fish and Wildlife commission at 863-648-3200.
